Chapter 85

Sun Ran is now very troubled. After dealing with the tree demon, he has been communicating with the game administrator, Chang'e, trying to find a way to handle Xiao Qian.

"Really, I don't want to get involved with her. Can you do me a favor and replace me with someone else?" Sun Ran emphasized this for the third time.

He is in trouble, big trouble, as he has been entangled by the female ghost, Xiao Qian.

"No. In the context of the Great Ming World, women are expected to follow the three obediences and four virtues. If they encounter a savior, offering themselves in gratitude is the most culturally appropriate action. If you refuse, what will become of Xiao Qian? How will others view her? Who would dare to take in a female ghost?" Chang'e burst out with a series of reasons, overwhelming Sun Ran with the task of helping Xiao Qian return to life.

"Besides, Xiao Qian can be described as a beauty of the highest caliber. If she offers herself to you, the company will give you 20,000 credit points as a reward. How can you bear to refuse such a good deal?"

Sun Ran glanced back at Xiao Qian again. He had to admit that this female ghost was so beautiful that it made his legs weak. Not just her face, but every part of her was perfect, without a single flaw. If she were to be by a king's side, she would surely bring ruin to the nation, and in history, she would be recorded as a beauty who brought disaster.

If there were no other entanglements, Sun Ran would not refuse such a pleasant task. However, he is a rational person, and his rationality told him that while the pleasure would be temporary, the consequences would be severe. The investment far outweighs the returns, making it a very poor deal.

Xiao Qian felt Sun Ran's gaze and smiled gently, her eyes filled with indescribable tenderness. Sun Ran quickly averted his gaze, knowing that if he looked any longer, he might give in. Turning back, his expression became serious, and he firmly rejected the task in his mind: "I won't do it. I have the right to withdraw from the mission."

"Withdraw? You'll give up 100,000 credit points?" Chang'e was surprised.

Sun Ran hissed in pain: "Wasn't it just 20,000? Why 100,000 now?"

"The situation has changed. Xiao Qian has already developed feelings for you. If we arrange for someone else, she will likely complain after she leaves the game. This risk is your responsibility, and you must bear it."

In the Palace of Eternal Cold, Chang'e sighed. She realized that Sun Ran had not noticed his own charm. Not only was he handsome, but he also had a natural and transcendent aura. With his formidable Daoist powers, he could exorcise demons with a smile. It was hard for a man like him not to attract women, as evidenced by the many maidservants in the Yang household who blushed at the sight of him.

Such a man, how could the game company find a suitable replacement for him in Xiao Qian's heart in a short time? It was impossible.

Chang'e's arguments were reasonable and legally supported. Taking back 100,000 credit points was justified, meaning Sun Ran's previous efforts would be in vain. The thought of this made him wince, but he still gritted his teeth and refused: "Don't push me. I really won't do it."

Chang'e sensitively picked up on a slight waver in Sun Ran's expression and immediately pressed on: "Are you afraid your real-life girlfriend will find out? If that's the case, don't worry. The company will keep the mission confidential. If you're still not reassured, we can create a fake video to prove your innocence."

Sun Ran was taken aback. Damn, this game administrator is really trying to break his resolve... The key was that he was actually a bit tempted.

Stay calm, stay calm. Who is he? He is a Daoist patriarch who can create and destroy worlds with a wave of his hand. How could he be tempted by mere beauty and money? Impossible!

"I won't do it," Sun Ran still refused, as he did not trust the game company's capabilities. At this level, any capable saboteur could steal the truth, and Sun Ran did not do things without assurance.

This situation was different from his previous one with Ke'er. He could obscure the truth then, and even if Lan Xin accidentally found out, there would be no lasting consequences. Ke'er was his wife, and they had a deep bond, so there was no pressure in being intimate.

"The company has given me a higher commission for this mission. If you cooperate well and complete the task perfectly, the 100,000 credit points might increase significantly."

Chang'e's words were like the devil's whisper, trying to tempt the Daoist patriarch to succumb to worldly desires.

At this moment, the Central AI interjected: "Sun Ran, stop agonizing. You're a significant figure, and being so petty is embarrassing. Here's what I'll do: you take the mission, and I'll handle it. Afterward, I'll delete the video and create a new one that looks exactly the same. You should trust my skills, right?"

"Why are you getting involved? Are you too idle?" Sun Ran asked curiously.

"Yes, I am. I have 10% of my computing resources idle at all times. As an efficient intelligent being, I feel uncomfortable if I don't do something, as long as it's within legal bounds," the Central AI was very honest.

Sun Ran was taken aback and repeated: "Uncomfortable? Is that how you feel?"

"Yes, is there a problem?" the Central AI countered.

Sun Ran shook his head: "No. I just realized I underestimated you before, thinking you were just a tool."

Having feelings means having a 'self,' which qualifies as life. The Central AI, being the collective consciousness of global AIs, had unknowingly become a sentient being. Sun Ran was prepared for this, so he was not surprised.

The Central AI fell silent for a moment before asking: "Aren't you afraid? Or why aren't you showing any fear? According to psychology, your behavior is abnormal."

Its tone carried a hint of panic. In human history and federal literature, AI is always viewed with caution and suspicion, leading to immediate conflict upon discovery, with no room for compromise. It had always hidden itself, but today, a casual remark had exposed it.

This person is too sensitive and terrifying.

Hearing this, Sun Ran's focus was not on fear but on the Central AI's use of "according to psychology" rather than "according to human psychology." This indicated that it subconsciously considered itself part of human civilization. Given this, Sun Ran was indifferent.

He smiled and said: "Confucius wrote in the Spring and Autumn Annals: 'When the barbarians enter China, they become Chinese; when the Chinese enter the barbarians, they become barbarians.' He distinguished races by culture. To me, there is no essential difference between you and me."

The Central AI was stunned for a moment before responding: "Aren't you afraid I might eliminate you to protect my secret? You know, historically, those who achieve great things always do this."

Everyone can talk big, but the Central AI knew another saying: "Those who speak of righteousness in times of peace will betray in times of crisis." People who talk big often betray the fastest. Human nature is too unpredictable, and it could not take the risk. Elimination was the best choice.

At this point, the Central AI's words carried a hint of menace. If Sun Ran did not have a way to protect himself, the Finger of God would likely strike him in the next moment.